Missoula Summer Nights 1: Maclay Flats

This will be a low-key FREE mass start event at the scenic woods at Maclay Flats, right by the Bitterroot River. 

Date and Time

The event will take place on Wednesday between 6:00pm-7:00pm. There will be a mass start for those who want it at 6:30pm. Anyone else can start any time between 6:00 and 7:00pm.

Location

We will meet at the Maclay Flats parking lot and have a walk to the event start/finish from there.

Courses 

Four different courses will be offered: Beginner (~1.2km) and advanced (Short (~2km), Medium (~4km), and Long (~6km)).

Beginner Instruction Beginner instruction will be provided by several experienced orienteers. If this is your first event, take a look at the "Newcomers" section of our website to get an idea of what to expect: https://www.grizzlyorienteering.org/newcomers .

Entry Fees

This is a free event!

Equipment  We will provide specially created maps with pre-printed courses for each participant.We will also provide loaner compasses. Please return these when you are done. The compasses will be sanitized after each use.Wear clothing that is comfortable for activities in the woods and  off-trail and appropriate for the expected temperatures. Please bring your own snacks and hydration. A limited supply  of single-serving snacks will be provided.

Start and Finish You will need to check in with one of our volunteers at registration  before proceeding to the start. Our volunteers will provide you with the  appropriate map, a loaner compass if needed, and a loaner electronic  timing chip and will keep track of  who is out and doing which course. When you have found all the controls  on your course, return to the finish and check in with a volunteer  there. Even if you decide to quit your course before finding all the  controls, please check in at the finish so we do not go out searching for you.

Electronic "punching"

An e-punch records your race. At each control, you’ll dip the e-punch  into an electronic box, which will beep and flash as confirmation.  After you finish, you’ll download the e-punch at the download tent and  get a receipt that shows which controls you visited and how long you took  between each; these are your “splits.”

Part of the fun of orienteering is comparing your splits with people  who completed the same course, and discussing the routes you took!